Oral nutritional supplements (or medical nutrition supplements) are Foods for Special Medical Purposes for the dietary management of disease-related malnutrition. They provide additional nutrients like energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. They come in a range of flavours and formats including milkshakes, juice style, yoghurt style, powders and desserts.

All oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are Foods for Special Medical Purposes for patients who have, or are at risk of having, disease-related malnutrition. They must be used under medical supervision. When your ONS is prescribed by your doctor or other healthcare professional they will tell you how much you should take every day.

Everyone is different and has different nutritional needs. Prescriptions for ONS are often for between 1 and 3 units or bottles a day but this varies depending on your needs. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking other nutrient supplements such as vitamin and or mineral preparations, as ONS contain vitamins and minerals too.

If you are finding it difficult to take your ONS or cannot manage the amount you’ve been prescribed or recommended, contact your healthcare professional as there are a wide range of ONS available. Your healthcare professional may be able to suggest an alternative that would suit you better.

Oral nutritional supplements are designed to help you if you have, or are at risk of having, disease-related malnutrition. They work by boosting your nutritional intake, so should be taken in addition to what you are able to eat and drink rather than replacing ordinary foods and drinks.

Most people take their oral nutritional supplement when they most feel like drinking or eating them. Do what feels right for you.

• Try taking them between meals as a snack, in the morning or before you go to bed at night
• You can also take small amounts regularly throughout the day instead (like a dose of 30-40mls at a time). Follow the instructions on the label about how to store them correctly

• You can use oral nutritional supplements in some of your favourite recipes or to make smoothies
• Drinking them chilled can help if you have taste changes or freeze into ice lollies when you have a sore mouth
• Ask your healthcare professional for a ‘starter pack’ which contains different flavours so you can try them before you get a full prescription or buy more
• A neutral flavour is available which is handy to stir into soups or puddings to add more energy and nutrients

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are Foods for Special Medical Purposes for patients who have, or are at risk of having, disease-related malnutrition. They must be used under medical supervision. When your ONS is prescribed by your doctor, dietitian or other healthcare professional, you should have a conversation with them about how long you might need the oral nutritional supplement for.

Everyone is different and has different nutritional needs. You may need to take ONS until your appetite is better and you are able to meet all your body’s nutritional needs from ordinary food and drinks. For people who cannot eat food at all, oral nutritional supplements taken in sufficient quantities, can be used as their only source of nourishment – many contain all the nutrients you need.

If you have been prescribed an ONS by a healthcare professional discuss the ongoing need for them before stopping. If you are finding it difficult to take your oral nutritional supplement or cannot manage the amount you’ve been prescribed or recommended, contact your healthcare professional as there are a wide range of oral nutritional supplements available. Your healthcare professional may be able to suggest an alternative flavour or format that would suit you better.

Just the sensation of swallowing, after a period where you thought you’d never swallow again, was overwhelming...I took it 3 to 4 times a day for 4 to 5 months.

Oral nutritional supplements come in a range of different styles and flavours. Having a choice of a variety of oral nutritional supplements helps you find one that suits you best.

Milkshake style

oral nutritional supplements come in a 200ml bottle or a 125ml ('compact') bottle. The range includes high energy supplements and options that are high in protein and fibre.

Drinking yoghurt style

oral nutritional supplement provide a tangy alternative to milkshake style. These are high energy oral nutritional supplement and come in a 200ml bottle.

Juice style

high energy oral nutritional supplements in a 200ml bottle provide an alternative for people who prefer fruit juice flavours or a change from milky oral nutritional supplement.

Dessert style

high energy, high protein oral nutritional supplement come in 125g pots and can be eaten with a spoon.

Powdered

oral nutritional supplement are high energy supplements that can be mixed with milk to make a milkshake or they can be added to foods and drinks to boost nutritional content.

Module

oral nutritional supplement are powders or liquids that have been designed to supplement one nutrient such as energy or protein. These can be added to drinks or foods although some come ready to drink.

A wide variety of flavours are available depending on which range you choose. Examples include vanilla, chocolate, neutral or mocha. A wide range of fruit flavours such strawberry, banana, peach-mango, tropical and orange are also available. All ONS are Foods for Special Medical Purposes and must be used under medical supervision.

Your doctor or other healthcare professional can tell you what signs to look out for so that you know that the oral nutritional supplement (ONS) is helping you.

ONS are specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of people with disease related malnutrition. They provide additional nutrients like energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. By taking in more energy and nutrients you may find that the oral nutritional supplement positively affects your body weight or you may find that the energy in them helps you feel better so you may be able to do your normal activities.

Some people may need additional nutrition support before, during or after treatment and this may be given using a tube feed if it is not possible to take any or enough food by mouth. Together with your healthcare professional you can find the support that is best suited to your needs.

Oral nutritional supplements made a very good impact on my life. I started eating more.